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Google Shreds Cardboard In Phase One of New Overarching DAYDREAM Virtual Reality Platform

by
Cliff Raskind
| May 18, 2016

At today's I/O developer conference in Mountain View Google announced a new overarching Virtual Reality initiative called Daydream. Phase 1 of Daydream will enable Daydream ready Android N smartphones to take VR to the next level beyond Cardboard. "VR Mode" will be an integral part of the core of Android N, opening up VR to a vastly larger audience. The hardware includes a more substantial headset that looks to be on par with Samsung's Gear VR, and a handheld control unit that goes beyond the bluetooth remotes often bought with higher end Cardboard VR headsets. Movement/gesture tracking along with tighter SDK integration appear to be key enablers.

HTC, LG, Huawei, Samsung, Xiaomi and other OEM's are listed as partners to create Daydream compliant devices that we expect will compete vigorously to offer consumers the best quality VR experience. ARM, Qualcomm, MediaTek and Imagination Technologies will be among the key silicon enablers on the component side. Initial devices will be available beginning sometime this fall. Pricing is unknown. HBO, the NBA, Ubisoft and others are lining up do their part on the content side.

This initiative is a key step to extend the reach of low price smartphone-based VR headsets, which will dominate shipments moving forward.